Abstract/Description

The broad aims of the Her Majesty Prison chaplaincy service in England and Wales emphasise both rehabilitation and enhancement of the spiritual life of prisoners. In order to accomplish such aspirations substantial reforms have taken place in chaplaincy provisions since 2001. Most of these reforms, now enshrined in formal HMP documentation, audits and guidelines, are aimed at improving services in the context of an increasingly multi-ethnic/faith society. This paper, based upon research conducted in two prisons in England and Wales, throws light on their impact, as well as reporting more generally on the spiritual life of prisoners of faith. The paper will explore the weaknesses and impractibilty of some aspects of reform with reference to Goffman's influential work on total institutions.